Charles County Amateur Radio Club

The Charles County Amateur Radio Club put on their first special event station in almost 4 years on Saturday, October 13th at Mallows Bay, on the western side of the county, with a picturesque view of the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline.

The “Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay” consists of more than 200 ships, many of them wooden hulled vessels built to serve as transport ships during World War 1. With the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 approaching on November 11th this seemed like an appropriate time and location for a special event.

The morning started out looking rather ominous with dark clouds, a chilly wind and some brief showers. Despite the weather, our crew went right to work setting up a 80/40 meter dipole, a MFJ-2980 40 meter vertical, a 20 meter dipole and a 20 meter vertical. If that wasn’t enough we also had a VHF antenna should anyone need to contact us on 2 meters.

We operated on both 20 and 40 meters, using President Bob’s (NW3M) Yaesu FT-857D and Activities Manager Jeff’s (KB3SPH) Yaesu FT-450D. Bob’s radio was powered with a 12 volt battery connected to an MFJ-4416C power conditioner. Jeff’s radio was also powered with a 12 volt battery with the charge being maintained by a solar panel (When the Sun finally made an appearance) and charge controller.

There were a grand total of 15 licensed amateurs (14 CCARC members and 1 visitor) who signed in, along with 6 visitors. Of note was Charles’ (AA3WS) 92 year old father-in-law, Arthur Willett, who is the last living person to have worked as a ship salvager at Mallows Bay. Arthur brought along four display boards that he stood on easels with photos and a write up of the history of the ships (Or, more correctly, the hulls) still visible at Mallows Bay. Among the photos were two aerial views of the ships when they were first burned in Alexandria in the late 1920s or early 1930s. It is unfortunate that the weather started out so poorly as Arthur’s display was most interesting and it is a shame that more people did not have the opportunity to view it. Other visitors included one of Boy Scout Bob’s (KB3KOW) scout troops and a member of the Charles County 4-H Robotics Team who put on the robotics presentation at last week’s (October 5th) monthly club meeting. (More on him a little later.)

With 2 stations operating simultaneously I believe that everyone who wanted to operate had an opportunity to do so. There were 57 contacts made on the 40 meter station and 16 on the 20 meter station. Of note was Jayne (W4VJU) who was racking up contacts on 40 meters while I sat at the 20 meter station getting skunked. I did make 1 contact and then used the opportunity to check in to the American Legion Amateur Radio Club net, the first time I’ve ever had the chance to do so since becoming a member of the American Legion ARC on March 22 of 2012. 20 meters remained quiet so I relinquished my seat to Erich, the lad from the 4-H club. About that time the skies cleared, and the 20 meter band opened up. Young Erich got a “baptism under fire” working Texas, Kansas, a mobile in Oregon along with a few other states and I believe that his final contact was with England, somewhere near the Welsh border. He seemed to handle himself well, thanks to Michelle (N3YRZ) who sat with him and guided him through making contacts.

We were competing with 4 US contests and one in Europe, making 20 meters difficult at best.

Saturday’s special event could also qualify as a fall picnic. Rick, Jayne’s husband, brought along some delicious chili. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought so as there wasn’t any leftover. We were also treated to side dishes from Pam (KB3SWS) and Michelle (N3YRZ) as well as cookies from Michelle and Hattie, President Bob’s XYL. (If I missed anyone it was unintentional. I wasn’t keeping track of who brought items.) AA3WS showed that not only is he our “Mr. Wizard” but he is quite the culinary artiste’, grilling both hot dogs and burgers to perfection. If anyone went away hungry it’s your own fault.

1600L (2000Z) came before I realized it and we had plenty of hands to tear down and put things away. Thanks to everyone who contributed, as the old local news columns used to recap “A good time was had by all”.

If you’ve read this far, to answer your question, the last CCARC special event station operated on April 18th & 19th of 2015 when we operated from the Dr. Samuel Mudd House as part of the commemoration of the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Hopefully it won’t be another 3 and a half years before our next special event.

73, Art, AA3RT

Erich working 20m

President Bob Curran, NW3M, welcomed the members and guests. Subsequently, Bob asked each member introduce themselves and give their most exciting thing they did as a Ham last month.
Bob, KB3KOW,  introduced Darby D’Ambrosio the Charles County Representative for the 4-H. Ms. Darby gave overview of 4-H and the various programs they support beyond animal husbandry. Darby then introduced four of the youth members of the 4-H robotics team. After the youth gave the 4-H Pledge they then gave a demonstration of their Robot Contest entry. During the presentation the youth described how they overcame refraction error during the contest. The light in the contest building was a mixture of natural light in high pressure ceiling sodium light that caused erratic operation robot mounted light sensors. The sensors had difficulty picking light refractions from different colors on the contest board. The problem was solved by ad hoc programming changes to the onboard robot computers.

The Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club’s Indian Head 100
(100? Is that the distance or the temperature?!?)

     September 3, 2018 was Labor Day, generally accepted as a day to be celebrated as free from toil for the American worker. Then there are those of us who volunteer our services on a day off – even when the combination of heat and humidity surpass the century mark. If you think that’s crazy, what about the almost 1000 bicycle riders who came out to ride through some of the more scenic portions western Charles County, choosing between six different courses varying in length between 17 and 100 miles? Along with the support staff from the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club, the caterers and the band (Yes, those of us at net control were “serenaded” by a live band), a great deal of effort went into the support of the Labor Day ride.

The CCARC has been supporting the Oxon Hill rides for well over a decade now and we have a good working relationship with the Oxon Hill club. This year’s ride was no different. We did, of course, experience a few minor difficulties that were quickly overcome.

A grand total of 12 CCARC members were in attendance; names, callsigns and assignments provided by Activities Manager Jeff (KB3SPH):

The event was scheduled to start at 7 AM with net control to be up and running at that time. I got a bit of a late start, leaving my house in La Plata around 6:30 which, I thought, would still be sufficient to get me to Indian Head prior to 7 AM. My first hint that perhaps I should have departed sooner came shortly after I’d passed the intersection of Routes 224 (Chicamuxen Road) and Route 225 (Hawthorne Road) when I saw the first cyclists heading east on 225. After turning south on Route 210 (Indian Head Highway) I saw even more cyclists headed north. I would later learn that a number of cyclists departed well before the “official” 7 AM start time to get as much distance in as possible before the day really warmed up. There was a long line of cars on IH Hwy all turning in to the Indian Head Village Green. After parking, I made my way to the net control spot and found president Bob (NW3M), who had been more conscientious than me and arrived earlier, setting up his canopy, the radio and associated equipment already in place. We completed our set up thanks to an assist from Jeff, Rob (N2OMC) and Boy Scout Bob (KB3KOW).

We received a call from Les (KH6CUJ) and Craig (KB3YQC) at 7:17 AM letting us know that rest stop was manned and ready. Pam (KB3SWS) checked in at 7:28 AM from Rest Stop 2. The first rider arrived at Rest Stop 1 at 7:30 AM and 2 minutes later Paul (KB3YXS) checked in from Rest Stop 3. Michelle checked in from Rest Stop 5 @ 8:23 AM with Jayne (W4VJU) joining Michelle @ 9:03. Bob and Rob checked in from Rest Stop 4 @ 9:05 AM with Joe (KB3HNP) joining them later in the morning.

The W4KGC repeater performed well – most of the time. During the first hour or two we experienced some interference with a repeater in the vicinity of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This was a good example of “tropospheric ducting” that is covered in the Technician class license exam. Additionally the W4KGC repeater is a linked repeater and we heard at least one exchange from amateurs in the southwestern portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We had been under the impression that the linking would be turned off for the event, however Bob would have a brief exchange with Dave (WA3GIN) Jordan, one of the repeater trustees. Dave informed us that they decided to leave the link(s) up as they thought that others monitoring the frequency might find the support of interest.

At least 2 of the rest stops did experience some issues communicating with net control however those issues were worked out prior to the end of the event.

All those assigned to the rest stops did a good job of keeping net control appraised of when the first and last riders had passed and the head count of the number of riders passing through each stop. Additionally Jeff, who rode with in a SAG (Support And Gear) wagon, one of at least three vehicles assigned to assist disabled riders, provided valuable information as a mobile operator informing net control when they’d located disabled riders and providing the disposition for those riders.

The morning started out fairly slowly however as we reached 9 AM radio traffic picked up notably as the heat began to take its toll on the riders. Between 10 AM and 1 PM net control handled 51 calls from the various rest stops, averaging 1 call every 4 minutes. Things dropped off markedly after 1 PM. Rest stop 1 shut down @ 11 AM, followed by rest stop 2 @ 12:53 PM, stop 3 @ 1:37 PM, stop 4 @ 2:35 PM and rest stop 5 was finally able to end operations @ 3:59 PM with the repeater being returned to normal use at 4 PM. Everyone ended up staying longer than originally scheduled, perhaps due to the number of riders and a slower than anticipated pace due to the heat.

After the event, Jayne, along with husband Rick made their way to the Indian Head Village Green to partake of what remaining food the caterer still had to offer and they along with Pam, Jeff, Bob and I took down temporary setup that had served as CCARC’s “communications center” for the previous 9 hours.

Thanks to all who volunteered, everyone did a good job and I know that our efforts were appreciated. Thanks also to the trustees of the W4KGC repeater for the use of the repeater.

There are already some photos up on the website of the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club’s website. You can find it at http://ohbike.org/ and then click on “2018 Indian Head 100 photos”. 

For those of us who were treated to the live music at the village green, you can find the website for “The Doc Stevens and Marilyn Band and Show” at: http://docstevens.org/

73, Art, AA3RT

On August 3rd, members of the CCARC along with some visitors gathered to build a small 440Mhz antenna. The antenna kit consisted of a PL-259 connector, four radials and one radiating element along with the needed nuts and bolts to assemble it.

We had the choice of getting the kit with the radiating element already soldered in place and only having to connect the radials or trying our hands at doing the actual soldering without melting anything.

Construction was as easy and simple at it could get and we all walked away with a nice small stealth 440 antenna.

All,

CCARC volunteers provided communications support to the 5-6-18 March for Babies (part of the March of Dimes Organization).  This year’s march was three miles long and started and ended at the Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.

We set up a net control station at the stadium that was operated by Bob – KB3KOW, Art – AA3RT, and Bryan (guest of Bob and hopefully future Ham).  Paul – KB3YXS operated from Water Station #1 at the St. Charles Apartments and Pam – KB3SWS and Jeff – KB3SPH operated from Water Station #2 at the Glen Eagle Community Center. Bill – W4EY participated in the March with his group, but also had his HT and was able to provide updates to net control during the march as a “Rover.”

We met ~0730 for final assignments and all stations were ready for operation by 0815.  The March started at 0900 and we were able to provide ongoing status updates to the event coordinator as the March progressed.  Status updates included information such as first and last walker arrivals/departures and supply levels at each station.

We met back at the stadium at 1030 to partake of the lunch/refreshments provided to all volunteers.

Left to Right: Bryan, Bob, Pam, Art, Jeff, Paul. Not pictured, Bill

Appreciated! (wicked spelling of amateur, though)

Fifteen attendees from local area ham radio clubs, the Southern MD Astronomical Society, and other guests, participated in the third annual Connector Workshop, hosted at the home of Pam – KB3SWS and Jeff – KB3SPH on Sunday, 4/29/2018.

The Workshop began with a briefing by Jeff demonstrating the various connector possibilities along with the associated required tools. The mantra, “Red Right, Tongue up!,” was preached as the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) standard way to construct PowerPole assemblies in order to ensure compatibility. Hands-on displays included: Solar Power (solar panel, charge controller, storage battery, RIGrunner, and associated PowerPole connections) operation, DX Engineering “Crimp-the-Shield, Solder the Pin” Connector Kit. DX Engineering Cable Stripping Kit, radio power connection examples, preventing battery corrosion in TNCs and test equipment, and insulated crimp connector assemblies.

Highlights:

Ken – KA3POX demonstrated soldering techniques

Charles – AA3WS demonstrated how to make a PowerPole polarity tester using a red/green LED and a pair of PowerPoles

Pam – KB3SWS provided a snack smorgasbord throughout the afternoon, culminating in an evening supper

PowerPole novices got to successfully construct their first PowerPole assembly, a six foot long 12 gauge extension cable with a pair of ARES standard configured PowerPoles on each end.  PowerPole veterans were quick to offer advice, demonstrate tool use, and answer questions. A good time was had by all!

73

Jeff / KB3SPH

Recently Explorer Post 60 took the opportunity to look behind the scenes of one of the most important parts of the Emergency Medical System (EMS): the call to 911. Communication Lieutenant John. H. Hackley, Jr., briefed the Explorers on the work of the Charles County 911/Fire & EMS Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC), and led the Explorers on a tour of the Emergency Operations Center and the main hub of activity. While in the call center, the Explorers got to see a 911 call in action and saw the procedures taken by the operators. Additionally, the Explorers learned how the county handles disasters such as snowstorms and hurricanes.

In addition to the Explorers getting a chance to learn more about EMS, the adult radio advisors, who are also members of the Charles County Amateur Radio Club, got the chance to explore the PSCC’s radio station. Besides learning more about how a call center works, the advisors saw ways to teach the Explorers how to better communicate on the radio and how radio is a part of community disaster response efforts. A quote from Rob Hoyt one of the adult advisors:

“For me as an amateur radio operator, I found the tour very interesting since we were able to go into the center and see the radio dispatchers in action. Since this post is tied to the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit (CCMICU), it was also nice to see how the calls that go out to the squads and CCMICU start out and are generated. A county like Charles has a lot of people and a lot going on so it was no surprise that the 911 center was busy while we were in there, and they received a couple of 911 calls while we were observing them.”

As the Explorers consider a future in the Emergency Medical System, they will need to know the ins and outs of the job. The visit to the 911 call center was the first of many trips Explorer Post 60 will be taking as they expand their knowledge of EMS and other EMS-related activities. Such visits give the Explorers the opportunity to meet and talk directly with EMS personnel at all levels of disaster, from the individual needing urgent medical attention to the community recovering from a tornado strike.

Explorer Post 60’s activities are centered on emergency medicine and first aid, amateur radio, outdoor skills, and disaster response. For more information on post activities or joining the post, e-mail micu60explorers@gmail.com or Facebook @ExplorerPost60.

On 04 Nov, 2 members of the CCARC set up shop at the St. Mary’s STEM festival, which was being hosted at the St. Mary’s Fairgrounds. This event is actually coordinated by the St. Mary’s Board of Ed and is used to introduce young and old alike to the various STEM related activities they could become involved in.

Rob (N2OMC) and Bob (KB3KOW) coordinated and set up across from the SMAS which was headed up by Jeff (KB3SPH), Pam (KB3SWS) and Charles (AA3WS). The set up consisted of one HF radio connected to a G5RV hung in an inverted ‘V’
and a second all band FT-817 radio connected to a ground plain.
At the other end of the table was two morse code keys and oscillators along with a Raspberry Pi with a CW translator written in the programming language of ‘Scratch” which is a graphical programming  language aimed at youngsters and often used at schools in the lower grades.

Rob confirmed everything was working by making a few contacts, however, Murphy struck and while tuning, the radio went dead. Charles was asked to take a look and it was determined that after many decades of use, the power supply had finally decided to give up the ghost. Jeff then came to the rescue with a jump start battery pack and using a few quarters, Charles got things connected and we were back on the air.

Emergency power

The event officially opened at 1000 but it was close to 1100 before we saw any significant number of people coming past our area, but once they started, we seemed to have a steady flow of interested youth and adults.
The Morse Code seemed to be a big draw and we had anyone who wanted to, try to send their name via code. All were successful but there was one young lady who on the first visit wouldn’t talk to us or make eye contact. He mom brought her back later on to try CW. After she got her name sent, she looked up and asked what else she could send and Rob spent time getting a bus number, favorite color and the name of the cat on her
knit hat. At one point she was even instructing the other youth on how to send code.
The voice operations were met with a luke-warm reception and many didn’t appear to be interested, however, when Rob swapped out voice for Digital, the interest level increased and more youth sat down to see what was going on with the PC.

Rob was able able to engage several adults, many who are active with some form of communications program for the military or were themselves past military communicators.

We also had a ‘fly by’ from Bob (NW3M) who provided a few pictures from his lofty vantage point:

Fairgrounds from the air

The SMAS group

As with any event involving youth, we have some thoughts for next year on how to make it better and maybe  engage more youth…

For those of you who were unable to attend last (Friday, November 3rd) night’s meeting, you missed a couple of things of note. Vice President Tom (W3TOM) gave a talk on the ARRL while Treasurer Bob (KB3KOW) and Activities Director Rob (N2OMC) gave a tag-team presentation on Echo – Link.

On Monday, 4 September a group of CCARC members and a few guests supported the Southern MD Century 100 mile bike ride in Indian Head, MD. I would like to thank the following people for showing up to support:

Rest Stop #1, Smallwood State Park: Les, KH6CUJ & Jim K3UGA
Rest Stop #2, Oak Grove Baptist Church: Jeff (KB3SPH) & Pam (KB3SWS)
Rest Stop #3, Durham Church: Paul, KB3YXS
Rest Stop #4, St. Ignatius: Joe, KB3HNP
Rest Stop #5, Thomas Stone: Craig, KB3YQG

I arrived at the start/finish line 0630 to a parking lot almost full with bike riders. Net control was setup and on the air using the Northern Neck Amateur Radio Club’s W4KGC VHF repeater. All stations on the net were up and operational by mid-morning. We couldn’t have asked for better weather with no clouds and cool temperatures. The rider estimate that I received had the approximate count at 1,000 riders, that’s a lot!

We ran the normal traffic calls for supplies between the rest stops and the occasional call for SAG support. We were paid a visit from three young men from Explorer Post 60; Jake, Jacob and Ted along with Mom’s Kelly and Lisa who all came by to observe and help out. Honorable mention to Bob, KB3KOW for lining up the scout visit. We sat at Net Control for a few hours and chatted about radio and Scouting and I was able to get one of them on the air for a bit. Robert, KB3WJM also came by as a new member of the club and fairly new to ham radio. We chatted during the day about antenna and radio options for his QTH and for portable operation such as the bike ride. I enjoyed the conversation and the ability to help get a new ham spun up and on the air. As a side note, Robert is a former Navy CW communicator so his main interest in HF is to get on CW and make some contacts.

We shut down the net at 1500 with roughly 90% of the riders through the course. Another great event supported by the club and another excellent chance for us to take our portable stations out to the field, make sure all the equipment/batteries still work and become proficient in their operation. We will post this report along with pictures from the event on the club website in the near future, I’ll send out a notice when that is completed.

73, Rob – N2OMC